A Cursory View of Prussia from the Death of Frederick II to the Peace
of Tilsit

LETTER VIII: Prussian Neutrality and French Perfidity in 1805

Berlin.

IN 1802 the cabinet underwent a change of ministers, but without
undergoing any change of measures. Count Haugwitz and a Mr. Lombard,
both deeply imbued with French principles, obtained the direction of
affairs—Bonapartè’s future operation somewhat indicate his security
of the continued neutrality of Prussia; for, by his gradual proceeding
until he afterwards took possession of Hanover, he entered almost into
the heart of the kingdom, as both Magdeburg and all Westphalia lay at
his mercy; yet still Prussia slept, secure in the contemplation of her
own sincerity. Haugwitz remained not long in office, and Hardenberg
succeeded him; a man; from real principle, devoted to the English.
It was, therefore, now expected that his influence would break the charm
of the neutral system; but no, this must undergo a farther trial. The
consequences were, that Bonapartè was quietly suffered to become master
of Ulm, and gain the victory of Austerlitz; both which might apparently
have been prevented, had not the king unfortunately carried his principles
of moral rectitude into his politics. He trusted to the Corsican’s
promise to respect his neutrality; and, though Duroc was sent to Berlin
with the view to shake it, yet the only result he could draw from his
mission was, that his Majesty of Prussia adhered inflexibly to the system,
which, if infringed upon, he would know how to defend.—Duroc hinted,
that it nevertheless seemed that the Russians were encroaching. “In
that case,” answered the Monarch, “necessity will oblige me to join
the French.” Indeed, Duroc had so artfully conducted himself, and thrown
out so many advantages to Prussia, that an immediate alliance would
have probably taken place, had not Hardenberg’s more powerful arguments
and manly remonstrances kept Frederick William true to his favorite
old system. Troops were, however, sent towards the Russian frontiers;
and Bonapartè, in the hope that hostilities would certainly soon commence
there, wrote to Bernadotte, “that now, all must be risqued to gain all;”
and fortwith the neutrality of Anspach was violated. “Sire,” (Mack
as reported to have said, before the capitulation), “had I not respected
the neutrality of Anspach, I should have thwarted your majesty’s plans.”—“You
ought to have attempted it.”—“But I should then have involved the Emperor
my Master in a fresh war, and perhaps lost Bohemia.”—“No, no,” answered
Bonapartè, with a significant smile; “you needed not to have apprehended
that.” By which you will observe how well he knew Frederick William’s
moderation and pacific disposition. These were, however, at length
put to the proof. A courier from Anspach brought the intelligence to
Berlin, that the French had actually forced a passage through that territory.
This threw the whole cabinet into the utmost consternation; and Hardenberg
called loudly for war. The King, upon his flagrant breach of faith,
felt himself highly offended; but was still undetermined how to proceed.
By this irresolution, he gave Bonapartè time to obtain all that he wanted.

The whole nation seemed now in a ferment, and parties opposed each
other with such vehemence, that the King was quite embarrassed, and
knew not on what to resolve. He therefore held a serious consultation,
the result of which you will find in my next letter.